Traditional Braces in Walnut Creek, CA
Ready to get started?
Contact UsWhat Are Traditional Metal Braces?
With modern technologies and many orthodontic improvements, traditional metal braces are more affordable and comfortable than ever. Life Dental & Orthodontics offers a wide variety of orthodontic treatments to cater to the many wants and needs of our Walnut Creek, CA patients. Conventional braces offer unique customizations that are not possible with clear, removable aligners, such as Invisalign® orthodontics and ClearCorrect. A number of our patients favor metal braces because it helps them to display their personality by picking different colored bands. This is particularly an enjoyable feature for younger patients and teens who are going to their favorite sports games because they can show their spirit. To learn more about traditional metal braces, schedule an appointment at our premier dental office.
How Are Traditional Braces Applied?
After your initial exam, a personalized treatment plan will be developed for your particular needs. When you return to get your braces, your teeth will be properly cleaned and prepped before placing your metal brackets. After we've painted the bonding agent to your teeth, your metal braces will be placed. Once all the brackets are in place, we will thread the wire through them. Then, you will have the ability to pick your preferred band colors. The small elastics keep the archwires attached to the braces. The application process generally moves fairly fast, and patients often feel little to no discomfort. You should expect to come back to Life Dental & Orthodontics approximately once a month for adjustments and progress checks.
Traditional Braces Reviews
Amazing friendly environment instead of feeling inside of an office, staff is really nice, had braces done took 2.5 years and I’m very pleased with the result.
Excellent dentist, staff and facility. If you are looking for a supportive, knowledgeable and caring dentist and amazing team look no further. Been going here for 27 years now and highly recommend Dr. Hockel and his team. Have had 3 kids...braces, emergencies...this group of dental health care providers have been here for all of us. 5 stars!
I was referred to Dr Hockel and his staff for braces and a spacer, to get my mouth aligned for a major reconstructive jaw/airway surgery. Wow, just WOW! Dr Hockel is also an airway specialist and takes Ortho to another level I did not know we existed! He and his team are amazing and I actually look forward to going in for my appointments. I cannot recommend this place highly enough!
I came to Doctor Hockel due to problems with sleep apnea. He diagnosed a narrow palate and some other issues that ultimately are obstructing my airway and recommended a course of palate expansion (upper and lower) before going for more extensive surgery to correct problems with my jaw. It's been really great working with him and his staff! They're all extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. They've answered every question I had and taken the time to explain what's being done each time (in what's going to be a couple-year-long process.) They're definitely using the latest tools and techniques and I feel completely comfortable with whatever they recommend. All in all, a *really* great dentist![Edit from 2+ years in the future - 10/18/2023]I had my jaw surgery (total TMJ replacement and MMA (Maxillomandibular advancement, to move the upper teeth forward) in St Louis in May (via the only surgeon Dr Hockel trusts to do the surgery, who really is great) and returned to Dr Hockel's care in late June. Sleep apnea is cured, my bite was lined up and everything went well. Today was a great day - I got my braces off! We're now in the process of stabilizing the teeth with a retainer, but they look great and feel even better, with everything in my bite closing in the right places and all the teeth nice and straight and even. Dr Hockel's staff were awesome as usual - I showed up 20 minutes early and they said "come right in!" and we got to work. If you ever need to deal with airway issues (or indeed with orthodontia and other dental procedures), definitely give Life Dental and Orthodontics a call. They're the best!
Excellent dentist, staff and facility. If you are looking for a supportive, knowledgeable and caring dentist and amazing team look no further. Been going here for 27 years now and highly recommend Dr. Hockel and his team. Have had 3 kids...braces, emergencies...this group of dental health care providers have been here for all of us. 5 stars!
11
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Get In Touch
Affordable Orthodontic Options for Your Family
Over the last few years, there have been a number of improvements in dental and orthodontic care for patients of all ages. However, metal braces are still one of the most effective methods for aligning teeth at Life Dental & Orthodontics. Get in touch with our office in Walnut Creek, CA to schedule an appointment and learn more about traditional metal braces and other orthodontic options.
Traditional Braces FAQs
Are traditional braces as effective as clear aligners?
Both traditional metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign® work by applying pressure to your teeth to straighten them. Clear aligners offer flexibility since they can be removed for eating, drinking, and flossing. However, if your dental issues require more complex corrections, traditional braces might be more effective.
How long will my braces be on?
Most of our patients in Walnut Creek, CA, wear braces for 1 to 2 years. However, the duration can vary based on your individual goals and orthodontic needs. At Life Dental & Orthodontics, we are committed to making your treatment as effective and efficient as possible.
What foods should I avoid eating with braces?
Many people discuss the food restrictions that come with traditional braces, and these are set to protect the brackets and wires from damage. Foods to avoid generally include caramel, hard candy, gum, nuts, popcorn, and uncooked carrots. Your provider may give you a more detailed list of foods to avoid.